a) small businesses
constitute the economic and social heart of the Welsh high street
but that the current business rates regime significantly
disadvantages retailers in small towns and cities;

b) business rates
are inherently inequitable because they bear little, if any,
relation to business profitability and they have a chilling effect
on town centres by adding significant costs to the establishment of
new businesses;

c) reducing the
impact of business rates would help businesses survive the
challenges posed by internet shopping and give a significant boost
to the high street.

2. Resolves
that:

a) as an interim
measure, pending the replacement of business rates by a tax related
to ability to pay, business premises with a rateable value below
£15,000 should be exempt and the rates of business properties
within the band of £15,000 - £50,000 are reduced by
20%;

b) Welsh local
authorities should encourage local trade by offering at least 60
minutes free parking in their town centre car parks;

c) out-of-town
shopping developments should bear a greater but reasonable share of
the burden of business rates, and such rates should apply to their
car parks, to help revive town centres.

1. Recognises the
importance of micro, small and medium-sized businesses to the
success of communities and the wider Welsh economy.

2. Notes the vital
importance of cross-government policies that support businesses on
Welsh high streets to thrive and grow.

3. Recognises the
Welsh Government's commitment to supporting high street retailers
and other businesses by providing more than £200 million of
funding in 2017-18 to support around three-quarters of ratepayers
in Wales through rates relief.

4. Acknowledges that
in 2017-18, more than half of all businesses across Wales pay no
rates at all.

5. Notes the Welsh
Government's intention to put in place a permanent small business
rate relief scheme which is simpler, fairer and better targeted
towards growing businesses in Wales from April 2018.

Believes that the
Welsh Government should extend the funding available to support
free parking pilot schemes in Wales.

A vote was taken on
amendment 6:

For

Abstain

Against

Total

22

0

26

48

Amendment 6 was not agreed.

A vote was taken on the motion as amended:

To propose that the
National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the
importance of micro, small and medium-sized businesses to the
success of communities and the wider Welsh economy.

2. Notes the vital
importance of cross-government policies that support businesses on
Welsh high streets to thrive and grow.

3. Recognises the
Welsh Government's commitment to supporting high street retailers
and other businesses by providing more than £200 million of
funding in 2017-18 to support around three-quarters of ratepayers
in Wales through rates relief.

4. Acknowledges that
in 2017-18, more than half of all businesses across Wales pay no
rates at all.

5. Notes the Welsh
Government's intention to put in place a permanent small business
rate relief scheme which is simpler, fairer and better targeted
towards growing businesses in Wales from April 2018.